Photo by Gabriel Van Heyking Photo

We are officially in the full swing of engagement season! This is such a fun and exciting time of year where we get to show our venue to couples and hear about their dream wedding.

We understand that choosing your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you will make during your planning process. Our staff at The Colonnade at Revolution Mill are seasoned wedding pros and want to help you make the best decision. We enjoy sharing our event knowledge and answering all your questions during a visit. As you prepare for your venue tours, consider these tips to help you get the most out of your visits:

DO PREPARE IN ADVANCE

How often have you gone to the grocery store and forgotten your list? You don’t remember what to buy, do you? The same can go for this type of situation. Prepare a list of your most important questions to bring with you during your tour. You won’t be caught off guard or draw a blank when it comes time to ask the questions that mean the most to you and your special day. The Knot has a great list of questions to start you off.

Photo by Jodi Gray Photography

DON’T OVERCROWD YOURSELF

Yes, it’s important to get your loved ones input on your big day. But when touring a venue, having too many people (and their opinions!) can put a damper on your excitement. Instead, take photos and jot down some notes to share with your friends and family later.

DO CHECK BEHIND THE SCENES

Don’t forget to check the restrooms, dressing suites, parking area and other often over-looked points of the venue.

DO ASK ABOUT RESTRICTIONS

Ask about any venue restrictions. Can you bring in outside alcohol? What outside vendors are permitted? Do you have have to leave by a specific time? Are there decor restrictions?

DO CHECK OUT THE HYPE

Before you go on your tour, read up on any reviews. Make a note of any potential issues, and ask the venue their thoughts.

DO PAY ATTENTION TO PARKING OPTIONS

Will there be enough parking space for your guests? What if it rains - will the parking area get messy? Is there an area to drop off and pick up guests with special accessibility needs?

Photo by Jamie Blow Photography

DON’T OVERDO IT

Of course you’re excited to begin planning and you want to check out every available option! Keep in mind how much time each venue tour may take and factor in travel time in between each space. .

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Finding your wedding venue shouldn’t be stressful. If you follow these tips to help ease some of the pressure and enjoy the process. Our Wedding Guide is your all inclusive guide to selecting and planning your wedding at The Colonnade! Be sure to check it out.

Contact us to set up your visit.

The following article was written by Jaime Gilliam, Venue & Catering Manager for Revolution Mill Events, and was originally published in Triad Weddings in January 2018.

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Selecting your wedding venue is one of the first major decisions you’ll make as an engaged couple. Your venue sets the tone for the rest of your plans and will likely comprise much of your wedding budget.  Consider the following tips to help you confidently make your decision and reduce planning stress! 

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

Know your approximate guest count, wedding date options and approximate budget before starting the search. 

ENVISION YOUR DAY

Your venue lays the foundation of telling your unique love story on your wedding day. Chat with your fiancé and other decision makers about the style and aesthetic you have in mind. Are there any essential features the space must have? 

RESEARCH AND TOUR

Use online resources and Triad Weddings to find local wedding venues. You should be able to narrow down options by the framework you set in the previous tips.  Each venue has its own character and charm, and a site visit will help you determine if it is the right fit for you. Save time and find out as much as you can about a venue before you go visit. Contact your top picks in advance to set up a personal tour. Document the details by taking notes and snapping photos to help you make comparisons.

ASK QUESTIONS

Gather as much information as possible! 

• How long is the venue rental?
• What amenities are included, such as tables, chairs and linens? 
• Are outside vendors permitted?
• Are there any décor or grand exit restrictions? 
• Are there enough parking spaces and restrooms to accommodate the guest count? 
• What is the rain plan?
• Does the venue itself photograph well and provide pretty portrait spots? 
• What will the overall guest experience be like?

 

CONSIDER CATERING

Since catering goes hand in hand with your venue, it’s important to consider options during the early planning stages. There are several benefits to choosing a venue with an exclusive caterer. The venue and catering team will work together seamlessly. You’ll typically have one point of contact to coordinate the venue, catering and rental details which makes things easier for you. However, if there is a certain caterer you’d like to work with or you have a specific vision in mind (like food trucks), you’ll want to look for a venue that allows outside vendors. 

COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES

The frustrating thing about the wedding venue search is that you’re usually comparing apples to oranges. All venues include distinctive services and packages, so as you research, try to organize the information in a way that’s easy for you to understand and compare. 

TRUST YOUR INSTINCT

As true with most decisions, if something feels right (or on the other hand, doesn't feel quite right) you should trust your instinct! Look at the big picture - while you may not like every single thing about the venue, if the pros outweigh the cons it’s likely a good fit for you.  Make sure you feel comfortable with the staff, as they are going to be the ones to ensure your day runs smoothly. Be sure to check out online reviews!  

BOOK IT

Request a contract and take the time to read it thoroughly. Confirm your agreement of date, times and details to be provided by the venue are in writing. Be sure to understand all the terms, fees, restrictions and cancellation policy. Now it’s time to sign the contract and pay your deposit to officially lock in your date! 

Congratulations, you can check this important step off your planning checklist!  Your remaining details will start falling into place now that you’ve made this big decision.